Poultry feed containing plasma

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to pelleted poultry feed containing plasma, and methods of making and using pelleted poultry feed containing plasma.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to poultry feed containing plasma and methods of making and using poultry feed containing plasma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Improving the growth of animals such as chickens and turkeys is an important goal for producers that raise chickens and turkeys. Currently, in the United States, more than 80% of feed for non-ruminant animals such as chickens and turkeys is pelleted, and swine and poultry fed pelleted feed have improved growth performance (Fairfield, 2003a and 2003b).

Plasma can be added to a swine diet in order to increase feed intake and growth. However, increasing the conditioning temperature during the feed pelleting process decreases the growth-enhancing properties of the plasma for swine (Steidinger et al., 2000). There is currently a need for growth-enhancing feeds for poultry such as chickens and turkeys, such as pelleted feeds.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It has been unexpectedly discovered that poultry feed containing plasma can be prepared in a pelleted form using elevated temperatures during the pelleting process. It was also unexpected that, as compared to feed prepared without plasma, feed prepared using elevated temperatures that includes plasma has increased growth-promoting characteristics.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for preparing a pelleted poultry feed, including heating a mixture including animal plasma and poultry feed to a temperature of at least about 77° C. and pelleting the mixture to provide the pelleted poultry feed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pelleted poultry feed is feed for chickens, for example, broilers, and/or layers. In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feed is feed for turkeys.

The present invention also provides pelleted poultry feed prepared according to the method of the invention. Also provided are methods for enhancing the growth of poultry, including feeding to poultry an effective amount of the pelleted poultry feed of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, poultry fed the pelleted poultry feed of the invention have increases in their average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed efficiency (gain:feed), and/or increases in their body weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is currently accepted that specialty ingredients such as plasma proteins will be damaged, e.g., by heat denaturing, by the pelleting process used to manufacture pelleted feed. Thus, it is believed that improvements in animal performance, for example, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (gain:feed), and/or body weight (BW), that may result from plasma consumption, would be reduced or eliminated if the plasma is subjected to high temperatures, for example, during a pelleting process (see Steidinger et al., 2000). Unexpectedly, it has been discovered that broilers fed pelleted feed that was formulated to contain plasma and manufactured using elevated conditioning temperatures have increased growth as compared to broilers that were fed similar feed that did not contain plasma. Thus, it has been discovered that it is possible to include sensitive proteins such as plasma proteins in feed prior to heating and pelleting without loss of function or nutritional value.

It has been unexpectedly discovered that feed, for example poultry feed for chickens or turkeys, containing plasma can be prepared in a pelleted form using elevated temperatures during the pelleting process while maintaining the growth-promoting characteristics of the plasma. Feed so prepared unexpectedly has growth-promoting characteristics that are attributed to the inclusion of the plasma in the pelleted feed.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for preparing a pelleted poultry feed including heating a mixture including animal plasma and poultry feed to a temperature of at least about 77° C. and pelleting the mixture to provide the pelleted poultry feed. The pelleted poultry feed can be pelleted chicken feed or pelleted turkey feed. The pelleted poultry feed contains a growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth as compared to a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma. The method optionally includes the step of crumbling the pelleted poultry feed, for example, for very young poultry. The method also optionally includes the step of processing the mixture with an expander, for example, prior to pelleting. In some embodiments of the invention, following processing with the expander, the mixture is not pelleted, but can optionally be crumbled. The present invention also provides pelleted poultry feed prepared according to the methods of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, the animal plasma is dried, e.g., spray-dried, animal plasma, e.g., from a bovine, porcine, and/or avian source. In some embodiments of the invention, the poultry feed is turkey feed. In some embodiments of the invention, the poultry feed is chicken feed, for example, feed for layers, or broilers.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feed is poultry feed formulated for phase feeding. For example, the feed may be feed specifically formulated for the prestarter phase, the starter phase, the grower phase, or the finisher phase for poultry such as chickens (e.g., broilers and layers) and turkeys.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feed includes about 1%, about 0.5%, or about 0.25% plasma. In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feed includes about 0.1% to about 5% plasma. In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feed includes about 0.25% to about 1% plasma. Generally, the concentration of plasma is higher in the earlier phases of feeding, and the percentage of plasma is generally decreased during later phases of feeding.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mixture containing the plasma and the poultry feed is heated to about 80° C., 85° C., 90° C., 95° C., 100° C., 105° C., 110° C., 115° C., 120° C., at least about 77° C., at least about 80° C., at least about 85° C., at least about 90° C., at least about 95° C., at least about 100° C., at least about 105° C., at least about 110° C., at least about 115° C., or at least about 120° C. The term “about” as used herein is intended to encompass variations in the temperature throughout the body of the volume of the feed that is heated as well as imprecision in determined temperatures at individual points, as would be recognized by one of skill in the art.

In some embodiments of the invention, the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the average daily gain (ADG) of the poultry, e.g., turkeys or chickens. In some embodiments of the invention, the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the poultry. In some embodiments of the invention, the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the body weight (BW) of the poultry. In some embodiments of the invention, the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that improves the feed efficiency (gain:feed) of the poultry.

The present invention also provides a method for enhancing the growth of poultry, including feeding to poultry an effective amount of the pelleted poultry feed of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleting poultry feed is fed to poultry during a specific phase of feeding. For example, the feed may be feed for the prestarter phase, the starter phase, the grower phase, or the finisher phase for poultry such as chickens (e.g., broilers and layers) and turkeys.

In some embodiments of the invention, the poultry are turkeys. In some embodiments of the invention, the poultry are chickens, for example, layers and/or broilers.

Also provided are methods for enhancing the growth of poultry, including feeding to poultry an effective amount of the pelleted poultry feed of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, poultry fed the pelleted poultry feed of the invention have increases in their average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (gain:feed), and/or increases in their body weight (BW).

The pelleted feeds of the present invention are useful as feed for birds, for example, for poultry. “Poultry” as used herein, generally refers to male and female birds reared for their flesh, eggs, feathers and/or other parts of their body, such as, but not limited to, chickens, turkeys, ostrich, cockatiels, game birds and water fowl, for instance, pheasant, geese and ducks, including hens kept for laying eggs (layers), male chickens castrated when young to improve the quality of their flesh for food (capons) and young chickens suitable for broiling (broilers).

As used herein, a “growth-promoting amount” of plasma in the pelleted poultry feed of the invention is an amount of plasma in a form that causes poultry that consume the pelleted poultry feed as at least a part of their diet to grow at an increased rate as compared to poultry that consume a poultry feed that does not contain the growth-promoting plasma. As described herein, it was unexpectedly discovered that pelleting poultry feed containing plasma at higher temperatures, for example, at about 80° C., at about 85° C., at about 90° C., or at about 95° C., did not eliminate the growth-promoting characteristics of the plasma. Thus, such pelleted poultry feed that is heated and pelleted from a mixture of poultry feed and plasma retains the growth-promoting characteristics from the plasma. In other words, the pelleted poultry feed of the invention contains plasma in a form that retains at least some, all, or more, of the growth-promoting characteristics of plasma.

As used herein, “poultry feed” refers to feed that is formulated and produced to be fed to poultry, for example, specifically to poultry. For example, the National Research Council provides guidelines for the nutritional requirements of poultry (see Nutrition Requirements of Poultry, 9th edition, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. (1994)). As reproduced from the Nutrition Requirements of Poultry, 9th edition, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. (1994), the nutritional requirements of turkeys are provided in Table A, the nutritional requirements of broilers are provided in Table B, and the nutritional requirements of layers are provided in Table C. In some embodiments of the invention, the pelleted poultry feeds of the invention meet or exceed the guidelines provided by the National Research Council, for example, for any or all of the nutrients listed in the guidelines such as for protein (e.g., crude protein), fat, and macrominerals, trace minerals, fat soluble vitamins, and water soluble vitamins. As is apparent in the Tables, feed can be specifically formulated for turkeys, broilers, and layers.

Several characteristics of some specific poultry feeds of the invention include those feeds having a crude protein content of about 23%, an oil content of about 4.5%, a fiber content of about 3%; and a crude protein content of about 19%, an oil content of about 5.5%, a fiber content of about 3%. Other specific poultry feeds are characterized in Tables A, B, C, 2, and 7. TABLE A Nutrient Requirements of Turkeys as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90 percent dry matter) Growing Turkeys, Males and Females 0 to 4 4 to 8 8 to 12 12 to 16 16 to 20 20 to 24 Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Breeders 0 to 4 4 to 8 8 to 11 11 to 14 14 to 17 17 to 20 Laying Weeks^(b); Weeks^(b); Weeks^(b); Weeks^(b); Weeks^(b); Weeks^(b); Holding; Hens; Nutrient Unit 2,800^(c) 2,900^(c) 3,000^(c) 3,100^(c) 3,200^(c) 3,300^(c) 2,900^(c) 2,900^(c) Protein and amino acids Protein^(d) % 28.0 26 22 19 16.5 14 12 14 Arginine % 1.6 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.6 Glycine + serine % 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.5 Histidine % 0.58 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.2 0.3 Isoleucine % 1.1 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.45 0.4 0.5 Leucine % 1.9 1.75 1.5 1.25 1.0 0.8 0.5 0.5 Lysine % 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.0 0.8 0.65 0.5 0.6 Methionine % 0.55 0.45 0.4 0.35 0.25 0.25 0.2 0.2 Methionine + cystine % 1.05 0.95 0.8 0.65 0.55 0.45 0.4 0.4 Phenylalanine % 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.55 Phenylalanine + tyrosine % 1.8 1.6 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8 1.0 Threonine % 1.0 0.95 0.8 0.75 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.45 Tryptophan % 0.26 0.24 0.2 0.18 0.15 0.13 0.1 0.13 Valine % 1.2 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.58 Fat Linoleic Acid % 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.1 Macrominerals Calcium^(e) % 1.2 1.0 0.85 0.75 0.65 0.55 0.5 2.25 Nonphytate phosphorus^(f) % 0.6 0.5 0.42 0.38 0.32 0.28 0.25 0.35 Potassium % 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 Sodium % 0.17 0.15 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 Chlorine % 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 Magnesium mg 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 Trace minerals Manganese mg 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 Zinc mg 70 65 50 40 40 40 40 65 Iron mg 80 60 60 60 50 50 50 60 Copper mg 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 8 Iodine mg 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Selenium mg 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Fat soluble vitamins A IU 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 D₃ ^(g) ICU 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 E IU 12 12 10 10 10 10 10 25 K mg 1.75 1.5 1.0 0.75 0.75 0.50 0.5 1.0 Water soluble vitamins B₁₂ mg 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 Biotin^(h) mg 0.25 0.2 0.125 0.125 0.100 0.100 0.100 0.20 Choline mg 1,600 1,400 1,100 1,100 950 800 800 1,000 Folacin mg 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.0 Niacin mg 60.0 60.0 50.0 50.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 Pantothenic acid mg 10.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 16.0 Pyridoxine mg 4.5 4.5 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 Riboflavin mg 4.0 3.6 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 4.0 Thiamin mg 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 ^(a)The age intervals for nutrient requirements of males are based on actual chronology from previous research. Genetic improvements in body weight gain have led to an earlier implementation of these levels, at 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, 12 to 15, and 15 to 18 weeks, respectively, by the industry at large. ^(b)The age intervals for nutrient requirements of females are based on actual chronology from pervious research. Genetic improvements in body weight gain have led to an earlier implementation of these levels, at 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, 12 to 14, and 14 to 16 weeks, respectively, by the industry at large. ^(c)These are approximate metabolizable energy (ME) values provided with typical corn-soybean-meal-based feeds, expressed in kcal ME_(n)/kg diet. Such energy, when accompanied by the nutrient levels suggested, is expected to provide near-maximum growth, particularly with pelleted feed. ^(d)Turkeys do not have a requirement for crude protein per se. There, however, should be sufficient crude protein to ensure an adequate nitrogen supply for synthesis of nonessential amino acids. Suggested requirements for crude protein are typical of those derived with corn-soybean meal diets, and levels can be reduced when synthetic amino acids are used. ^(e)The calcium requirement may be increased when diets contain high levels of phytate phosphorus (Nelson, 1984). ^(f)Organic phosphorus is generally considered to be associated with phytin and of limited availability. ^(g)These concentrations of vitamin D are considered satisfactory when the associated calcium and phosphorus levels are used. ^(h)Requirements may increase with wheat-based diets.

TABLE B Nutrient Requirements of Broilers as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90 percent dry matter) 0 to 3 3 to 6 6 to 8 Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Weeks^(a); Nutrient Unit 3,200^(b) 3,200^(b) 3,200^(b) Protein and amino acids Crude protein^(c) % 23.00 20.00 18.00 Arginine % 1.25 1.10 1.00 Glycine + serine % 1.25 1.14 0.97 Histidine % 0.35 0.32 0.27 Isoleucine % 0.80 0.73 0.62 Leucine % 1.20 1.09 0.93 Lysine % 1.10 1.00 0.85 Methionine % 0.50 0.38 0.32 Methionine + cystine % 0.90 0.72 0.60 Phenylalanine % 0.72 0.65 0.56 Phenylalanine + tyrosine % 1.34 1.22 1.04 Proline % 0.60 0.55 0.46 Threonine % 0.80 0.74 0.68 Tryptophan % 0.20 0.18 0.16 Valine % 0.90 0.82 0.70 Fat Linoleic acid % 1.00 1.00 1.00 Macrominerals Calcium^(d) % 1.00 0.90 0.80 Chlorine % 0.20 0.15 0.12 Magnesium mg 600 600 600 Nonphytate % 0.45 0.35 0.30 phosphorus Potassium % 0.30 0.30 0.30 Sodium % 0.20 0.15 0.12 Trace minerals Copper mg 8 8 8 Iodine mg 0.35 0.35 0.35 Iron mg 80 80 80 Manganese mg 60 60 60 Selenium mg 0.15 0.15 0.15 Zinc mg 40 40 40 Fat soluble vitamins A IU 1,500 1,500 1,500 D₃ ICU 200 200 200 E IU 10 10 10 K mg 0.50 0.50 0.50 Water soluble vitamins B₁₂ mg 0.01 0.01 0.007 Biotin mg 0.15 0.15 0.12 Choline mg 1,300 1,000 750 Folacin mg 0.55 0.55 0.50 Niacin mg 35 30 25 Pantothenic acid mg 10 10 10 Pyridoxine mg 3.5 3.5 3.0 Riboflavin mg 3.6 3.6 3 Thiamin mg 1.80 1.80 1.80 ^(a)The 0- to 3-, 3- to 6-, and 6- to 8-week intervals for nutrient requirements are based on chronology for which research data were available; however, these nutrient requirements are often implemented at younger age intervals or on a weight-of-feed consumed basis. ^(b)These are typical dietary energy concentrations, expressed in kcal ME_(n)/kg diet. Different energy values may be appropriate depending on local ingredient prices and availability. ^(c)Broiler chickens do not have a requirement for crude protein per se. There, however, should be sufficient crude protein to ensure an adequate nitrogen supply for synthesis of nonessential amino acids. Suggested requirements for crude protein are typical of those derived with corn-soybean meal diets, and levels can be reduced when synthetic amino acids are used. ^(d)The calcium requirement may be increased when diets contain high levels of phytate phosphorus (Nelson, 1984).

TABLE C Nutrient Requirements of Leghorn-Type Laying Hens as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90 percent dry matter) Dietary Concentrations Amounts Required per Hen Daily Required by White-Egg (mg or UI) Layers at Different Feed White-Egg Breeders White-Egg Layers Brown-Egg Layers Intakes at 100 g of Feed per at 100 g of Feed per at 110 g of Feed Nutrient Unit 80^(a,b) 100^(a,b) 120^(a,b) Hen Daily^(b) Hen Daily per Hen Daily^(c) Protein and amino acids Crude protein^(d) % 18.8 15.0 12.5 15,000 15,000 16,500 Arginine^(e) % 0.88 0.70 0.58 700 700 770 Histidine % 0.21 0.17 0.14 170 170 190 Isoleucine % 0.81 0.65 0.54 650 650 715 Leucine % 1.03 0.82 0.68 820 820 900 Lysine % 0.86 0.69 0.58 690 690 760 Methionine % 0.38 0.30 0.25 300 300 330 Methionine + cystine % 0.73 0.58 0.48 580 580 645 Phenylalanine % 0.59 0.47 0.39 470 470 520 Phenylalanine + tyrosine % 1.04 0.83 0.69 830 830 910 Threonine % 0.59 0.47 0.39 470 470 520 Tryptophan % 0.20 0.16 0.13 160 160 175 Valine % 0.88 0.70 0.58 700 700 770 Fat Linoleic acid % 1.25 1.0 0.83 1,000 1,000 1,100 Macrominerals Calcium^(f) % 4.06 3.25 2.71 3,250 3,250 3,600 Chloride % 0.16 0.13 0.11 130 130 145 Magnesium mg 625 500 420 50 50 55 Nonphytate phosphorus^(g) % 0.31 0.25 0.21 250 250 275 Potassium % 0.19 0.15 0.13 150 150 165 Sodium % 0.19 0.15 0.13 150 150 165 Trace minerals Copper mg ? ? ? ? ? ? Iodine mg 0.044 0.035 0.029 0.010 0.004 0.004 Iron mg 56 45 38 6.0 4.5 5.0 Manganese mg 25 20 17 2.0 2.0 2.2 Selenium mg 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.006 0.006 0.006 Zinc mg 44 35 29 4.5 3.5 3.9 Fat soluble vitamins A IU 3,750 3,000 2,500 300 300 330 D₃ IU 375 300 250 30 30 33 E IU 6 5 4 1.0 0.5 0.55 K mg 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.05 0.055 Water soluble vitamins B₁₂ mg 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.008 0.0004 0.0004 Biotin mg 0.13 0.10 0.08 0.01 0.01 0.011 Choline mg 1,310 1,050 875 105 105 115 Folacin mg 0.31 0.25 0.21 0.035 0.025 0.028 Niacin mg 12.5 10.0 8.3 1.0 1.0 1.1 Pantothenic acid mg 2.5 2.0 1.7 0.7 0.20 0.22 Pyridoxine mg 3.1 2.5 2.1 0.45 0.25 0.28 Riboflavin mg 3.1 2.5 2.1 0.36 0.25 0.28 Thiamin mg 0.88 0.70 0.60 0.07 0.07 0.08 ^(a)Grams feed intake per hen daily. ^(b)Based on dietary ME_(n) concentrations of approximately 2,900 kcal/kg and an assumed rate of egg production of 90 percent (90 eggs per 100 hens daily). ^(c)Italicized values are based on those from white-egg layers but were increased 10 percent because of larger body weight and possibly more egg mass per day. ^(d)Laying hens do not have a requirement for crude protein per se. However, there should be sufficient crude protein to ensure an adequate supply of nonessential amino acids. Suggested requirements for crude protein are typical of those derived with corn-soybean meal diets, and levels can be reduced somewhat when synthetic amino acids are used. ^(e)Italicized amino acid values for white-egg-laying chickens were estimated by using Model B (Hurwitz and Bornstein, 1973), assuming a body weight of 1,800 g and 47 g of egg mass per day. ^(f)The requirement may be higher for maximum eggshell thickness. ^(g)The requirement may be higher in very hot temperatures.

Plasma

Plasma can be obtained by the art worker from various sources, for example, from animal sources such as bovine, porcine, and/or avian sources. In some embodiments of the invention, the plasma is the plasma component of blood that has been separated from blood. In some embodiments of the invention, the plasma is plasma that has not been separated from blood, i.e., blood is combined with the poultry feed. The plasma may be in the form of dried plasma, for example, freeze-dried, paddle-dried, and/or spray-dried animal plasma. The plasma can be dried by any method that does not cause the plasma to lose its functionality as a growth-promoting additive to feed. Commercially available forms of plasma are available, for example, from APC Inc., Ankeny, Iowa.

Preparing the Pelleted Poultry Feed

The pelleted poultry feed can be prepared, for example, by any process suitable to produce pelleted poultry feed, for example, by subjecting the mixtures of poultry feed and plasma to elevated conditioning temperatures (for example, see Table 8) and pelleting the mixtures, e.g., using a 5/32 inch×1¼ inch die and conditioning retention time of about 15 seconds, to produce the pelleted poultry feed. In some embodiments of the invention, the method for producing the pelleted poultry feed includes the step of conditioning with an expander, which can involve temperatures that can reach and exceed about 120° C. General pelleting procedures, including the use of expanders, are known to the art worker (see Fairfield, (2003a and 2003b; Feed Manufacturing Technology IV, (1994); and The Pelleting Handbook, (1994)). The pelleted poultry feed of the invention may be crumbled by methods known to the art worker, for example, for use in a starter phase diet.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Effects of Plasma Location and Pellet Conditioning Temperature on Broiler Feed Containing Plasma on Performance and Mortality During Simulated Production Conditions

The objective of the study is to determine the performance response and mortality of broilers fed plasma in pelleted feed during simulated production conditions.

Materials and Methods

One hundred eighty Ross×Ross 308 male broilers (Welp Hatchery, Bancroft, Iowa; 1 d of age; 34.9 g) were randomly assigned to receive one of three experimental treatments. Treatments were control (no plasma), plasma coated post-pelleting, or plasma blended into the meal and then pelleted at target pellet conditioning temperature of 85° C. according to Table 1. The feeding program consisted of three phases: a “starter” phase from days 0 to 14; a “grower” phase from days 15 to 28; and a “finisher” phase from d 29 to 42. TABLE 1 Experimental treatments Pellet Feed D Feed D Feed D Feed Conditioning Plasma Trt 0 to 14 15 to 28 29 to 42 Process Temperature Location 1 Control Control Control Pelleted 185° F./85° C. None 2 1.0% 0.5% 0.25% Pelleted 185° F./85° C. Coated Plasma Plasma Plasma outside 3 1.0% 0.5% 0.25% Pelleted 185° F./85° C. Inside Plasma Plasma Plasma pellet

Spray-dried plasma (AP 920; APC Inc., Ankeny, Iowa) was produced according to standard manufacturing procedures. This plasma is a high-protein ingredient composed of spray-dried bovine plasma. It is a free-flowing, light tan colored powder having the following characteristics: crude protein, minimum 78%; crude fat, minimum 0.3%; crude fiber, maximum 0.5%; moisture, maximum 9%; ash, maximum 10%; and sodium, maximum 3%. Water was delivered via free-standing 3.8 L poultry founts (CT Farm and Country, Ames, Iowa). The founts were washed daily and refilled with fresh water. Feed was manufactured utilizing formulas in Table 2. The manufacturing process resulted in the feed being mixed with part of the fat, pelleted, and crumbled according to industry standards. The feed was crumbled for the starter phase only. Diets were pelleted at their respective conditioning temperatures (Table 3) using a 5/32 inch×1¼ inch die and conditioning retention time of 15 seconds. After crumbling or pelleting, diets were placed in a dry mixer for addition of the remaining fat with or without plasma added to the mixer post-pelleting. Feed was offered ad libitum in trays (729 cm²) from days 0 to 3. Thereafter, feed was offered in hanging gravity flow feeders (Brower®, Houghton, Iowa). The hanging feeders were adjusted regularly to maintain optimal height for feed consumption. Broilers (6 per pen; 10 pens per treatment) were housed in floor pens (56×122 cm).

Pens contained used softwood shavings as litter (approximately 10 cm depth). Heat lamps maintained mean temperatures, at bird level, of 32° C., 29° C., 27° C., and 24° C. for week 1, 2, 3, 4, and to the end, respectively. Broilers were maintained on 23 hour light and 1 hour dark cycle.

Vaccinations at pre-hatch were ½ dose of Mareks and prior to shipping ½ dose of Newcastle and Bronchitis at the hatchery. On day 7, all birds were vaccinated with Bursal Disease vaccine (Merial Select, Inc., Gainsville, Ga.) via the water and on d 14 vaccinated with Newcastle-Bronchitis vaccine (B1 B1; Merial Select, Inc., Gainsville, Ga.) by coarse spray.

Feed intake and mortality were measured daily. Pen weights were measured daily for the initial 7 days of the experiment, and then weekly thereafter. Individual body weights were measured on day 0 and 42.

Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the GLM procedures of SAS (SAS, 1990). Pen was the experimental unit, while placement within the facility was the blocking criterion. Least squares means are reported.

Results

Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were increased (P<0.05) during the starter period (days 0 to 14) due to plasma consumption, regardless of location in feed or pellet conditioning temperature (Table 4). Feed efficiency (gain:feed) was unaffected (P>0.05) by plasma consumption compared to the control. During the grower period (days 15 to 28), ADG and ADFI were increased (P<0.05) due to plasma consumption, regardless of location in feed or pellet conditioning temperature (Table 4). Feed efficiency was unaffected (P>0.05) by plasma consumption compared to control. By the finisher period (days 29 to 42), ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency were unaffected (P>0.05) by plasma consumption compared to the control.

Overall (days 0 to 42), ADFI was increased (P<0.08) due to plasma consumption, regardless of location in feed or pellet conditioning temperature compared to the control. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were unaffected (P>0.05) by plasma consumption compared to the control.

Body weight (BW; Table 5) was increased (P<0.05) due to plasma consumption, regardless of location in feed or pellet conditioning temperature compared to the control from days 7 to 28. By day 42, BW was numerically increased by 62 to 125 grams per bird due to plasma consumption compared to the control. Survival (Table 5) was unaffected (P>0.05) by treatment.

Plasma consumption significantly improved broiler performance during the first 28 days, regardless of location in feed (outside vs. inside) or pellet conditioning temperature, for example, up to 85° C. Thus, inclusion of plasma inside pelleted broiler feed at elevated conditioning temperature does not reduce broiler performance resulting from plasma consumption. TABLE 2 Formula and nutrient analysis of diets on an as-is basis (%). Formula ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 Days Fed 0 to 14% 0 to 14% 15 to 28% 15 to 28% 29 to 42% 29 to 42% Ingredients Corn 57.663 59.234 60.121 60.907 65.432 65.825 Soybean meal, 35.601 33.725 32.045 31.106 26.969 26.500 47% Spray-dried 0 1.00 0 0.50 0 0.25 plasma¹ Animal/Vegetable 2.635 2.072 3.936 3.655 3.891 3.75 Fat Dical - 18.5% 1.76 1.687 1.629 1.593 1.558 1.54 Limestone 1.295 1.345 1.264 1.289 1.208 1.221 Vitamin/Mineral 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Premix Coban 60² 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 Salt 0.468 0.389 0.471 0.431 0.473 0.453 DL methionine 0.327 0.223 0.19 0.183 0.129 0.125 L Lysine HCl 0.016 0 0.019 0.011 0.015 0.011 Total 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 Calculated Nutrient Analysis Crude Protein, % 21.50 21.50 20.00 20.00 18.00 18.00 Fat, % 5.21 4.70 6.56 6.31 6.67 6.55 ME. Kcal/kg 3050 3050 3150 3150 3200 3200 Ash, % 5.66 5.64 5.35 5.34 5.02 5.02 Ca, % 1.00 1.00 0.95 0.95 0.90 0.90 P, % 0.70 0.70 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.63 Inorg P, % 0.45 0.45 0.42 0.42 0.40 0.40 Na, % 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Cl, % 0.32 0.29 0.33 0.31 0.33 0.32 K, % 0.84 0.81 0.78 0.77 0.70 0.69 Lysine, % 1.25 1.25 1.15 1.15 1.00 1.00 Methionine, % 0.58 0.57 0.52 0.51 0.43 0.43 Methionine + Cystine, % 0.95 0.95 0.86 0.86 0.75 0.75 Tryptophan, % 0.30 0.30 0.28 0.28 0.25 0.25 Threonine, % 0.83 0.85 0.77 0.78 0.69 0.70 Isoleucine, % 1.10 1.08 1.02 1.01 0.90 0.90 ¹Spray-dried plasma of bovine origin (AP 920; APC, Inc., Ankeny, IA). ²Provided per 907 kg of diet: monensin, 90 g.

TABLE 3 Feed manufacturing conditions of diets¹ Starter Grower Finisher Formula (d 0 to 14) (d 15 to 28) (d 29 to 42) ID 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 Pellet 85 85.3 85 85.6 85.3 85.4 85.5 85.4 85.2 condi- tioning temp., ° C. Hot pellet 85 86.6 86.2 85.7 87 86.5 87.5 86.8 86.9 temp., ° C. ¹Pellet conditioning retention time was 15 seconds with a production rate of 3600 pounds/hour.

TABLE 4 Least squares means of broiler performance consuming plasma in dry feed^(1,2) Coated Control Outside Inside Pellet conditioning Plasma temperature, ° C. Contrasts (P < )⁴ Location 85 85 85 SEM³ 1 2 Treatment 1 2 3 Day 0 to 14 ADG, g/d 28.40 29.16 30.01 0.33 0.0094 0.0877 ADFI, g/d 36.65 38.65 38.38 0.45 0.0036 NS Gain:feed 0.778 0.756 0.785 0.004 NS 0.0001 Day 15 to 28 ADG, g/d 76.26 80.62 78.69 1.10 0.0210 NS ADFI, g/d 114.69 121.74 117.57 1.58 0.0197 0.0783 Gain:feed 0.665 0.662 0.670 0.005 NS NS Day 29 to 42 ADG, g/d 96.62 97.32 95.54 1.88 NS NS ADFI, g/d 176.51 178.50 179.68 2.97 NS NS Gain:feed 0.547 0.545 0.532 0.005 NS 0.0542 Day 0 to 42 ADG, g/d 66.79 68.76 67.58 0.81 NS NS ADFI, g/d 109.28 112.98 111.88 1.39 0.0800 NS Gain:feed 0.615 0.612 0.610 0.004 NS NS ¹Values represent the mean of ten replicates per treatment with six broilers per pen. ²NS = non-significant (P > 0.10). ³Standard error of the mean. ⁴Contrasts were as follows: 1) control (treatment 1) vs. spray-dried plasma (treatments 2 and 3); 2) coated spray-dried plasma (treatment 2) vs. pelleted spray-dried plasma (treatments 3).

TABLE 5 Least squares means of body weight and survival^(1,2) Coated Control Outside Inside Pellet conditioning Plasma temperature, ° C. Contrasts (P < )⁴ Location 85 85 85 SEM³ 1 2 Treatment 1 2 3 Day  0 34.88 34.88 34.88 0.06 NS NS  7 152.42 156.13 159.87 2.04 0.0383 NS 14 433.55 444.67 458.01 4.99 0.0093 0.0748 21 907.13 947.34 959.64 8.99 0.0005 NS 28 1501.16 1573.31 1559.63 18.49 0.0099 NS 35 2208.11 2272.34 2158.63 34.10 NS 0.0299 42 2829.84 955.46 2891.65 48.33 NS NS Survival, % 93.3 95.0 95.0 2.7 NS NS ¹Values represent the mean of ten replicates per treatment with six broilers per pen. ²NS = non-significant (P > 0.10). ³Standard error of the mean. ⁴Contrasts were as follows: 1) control (treatment 1) vs. spray-dried plasma (treatments 2 and 3); 2) coated spray-dried plasma (treatment 2) vs. pelleted spray-dried plasma (treatments 3).

EXAMPLE 2 Effects of Increasing Pellet Conditioning Temperature of Broiler Feed Containing Plasma on Performance and Mortality During Simulated Production Conditions

The objective of the study was to determine the performance response and mortality of broilers fed plasma in the feed from higher pellet conditioning temperatures during simulated production conditions.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred forty Ross×Ross 308 male broilers (Welp Hatchery, Bancroft, Iowa; 1 d of age; 39.0 g) were randomly assigned to receive one of five experimental treatments. Treatments were control (no plasma), plasma coated post-pelleting, or plasma blended into the meal and then pelleted at target pellet conditioning temperatures of 85° C., 90° C., or 95° C. (see Table 6). The feeding program consisted of three feeding phases: a “starter” phase from days 0 to 14; a “grower” phase from days 15 to 28; and a “finisher” phase from days 29 to 42. TABLE 6 Experimental treatments Target Pellet Fed Fed Fed Feed Conditioning Plasma Trt Days 0 to 14 Days 15 to 28 Days 29 to 42 Process Temperature Location 1 Control Control Control Pelleted 185° F./85° C. None 2 1.0% Plasma 0.5% Plasma 0.25% Plasma Pelleted 185° F./85° C. Outside 3 1.0% Plasma 0.5% Plasma 0.25% Plasma Pelleted 185° F./85° C. Inside 4 1.0% Plasma 0.5% Plasma 0.25% Plasma Pelleted 194° F./90° C. Inside 5 1.0% Plasma 0.5% Plasma 0.25% Plasma Pelleted 203° F./95° C. Inside

Spray-dried plasma (AP 920; APC Inc., Ankeny, Iowa) was produced according to standard manufacturing procedures. Water was delivered via free-standing 3.8 L poultry founts (CT Farm and Country, Ames, Iowa). The founts were washed and refilled with fresh water daily.

Feed was manufactured according to the formulas in Table 7. The manufacturing process resulted in the feed being mixed with part of the fat, pelleted, and crumbled according to industry standards. The feed was crumbled for the starter phase only. Diets were pelleted at their respective conditioning temperatures (Table 8) using a 5/32 inch×¼ inch die and conditioning retention time of 15 seconds. After crumbling or pelleting diets were placed in a dry mixer for addition of the remaining fat with or without plasma added to the mixer post-pelleting.

Feed was offered ad libitum in trays (729 cm²) from days 0 to 3. After day 3, feed was offered in hanging gravity flow feeders (Brower®, Houghton, Iowa). The hanging feeders were adjusted regularly to maintain optimal height for feed consumption. Broilers (6 per pen; 8 pens per treatment) were housed in floor pens (56×122 cm).

Pens contained used softwood shavings as litter (approximately 10 cm depth). Heat lamps maintained mean temperatures, at bird level, of 32° C., 29° C., 27° C., and 24° C. for week 1, 2, 3, 4, and to the end, respectively. Broilers were maintained on a 23 hour light and 1 hour dark schedule.

Vaccinations at pre-hatch were ½ dose of Mareks and prior to shipping ½ dose of Newcastle and Bronchitis at the hatchery. On day 7, all birds were vaccinated with Bursal Disease vaccine (Merial Select, Inc., Gainsville, Ga.) via the water and on day 14 vaccinated with Newcastle-Bronchitis vaccine (B1 B1; Merial Select, Inc., Gainsville, Ga.) by coarse spray.

Feed intake and mortality were measured daily. Pen weights were measured daily for the initial 7 days of the experiment, and then weekly thereafter. Individual body weights were measured on day 0 and 42.

Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the GLM procedures of SAS (SAS, 1990). Pen was the experimental unit, while placement within the facility was the blocking criterion. Least squares means are reported.

Results

Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency were increased (P<0.05) during the starter period (days 0 to 14) due to plasma consumption regardless of placement on feed or pellet conditioning temperatures (Table 9). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was unaffected (P>0.05) by treatment during the starter period of the study. During the grower period (days 15 to 28), ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency were increased (P<0.05) due to plasma consumption regardless of placement on feed or pellet conditioning temperatures (Table 9). By the finisher period (days 29 to 42), ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency were unaffected (P>0.05) by plasma consumption compared to the control.

Overall (days 0 to 42), ADG and ADFI were increased (P<0.05) due to plasma consumption, regardless of placement of plasma on feed or pellet conditioning temperatures, as compared to the control. Furthermore, and unexpectedly, ADG was greater (P<0.05) when plasma was included inside the pellet as compared to outside. Feed efficiency tended (P<0. 10) to be increased due to plasma consumption regardless of placement on feed or pellet conditioning temperatures compared to the control. Body weight (Table 10) was increased (P<0.05) due to plasma consumption, regardless of placement on feed or pellet conditioning temperatures compared to the control from days 14 to 42. Unexpectedly, the greatest improvement in body weight was noted from consumption of feed containing plasma inside the pellet as compared to outside (P<0.05). Survival (Table 10) was unaffected (P>0.05) by treatment. Therefore, increasing pellet conditioning temperature did not reduce (P>0.05) the improved performance associated with consumption of plasma.

Consumption of plasma improved overall performance regardless of placement on feed (outside vs. inside) or pellet conditioning temperatures (for example, up to 95° C.). Unexpectedly, increasing pellet conditioning temperatures of poultry feed does not affect broiler performance resulting from plasma consumption. TABLE 7 Formula and calculated analysis of diets on an as-is basis (%). Formula ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 Days Fed 0 to 14% 0 to 14% 15 to 28% 15 to 28% 29 to 42% 29 to 42% Ingredients Corn 57.39 58.95 59.85 60.63 65.16 65.55 Soybean meal, 35.66 33.77 32.09 31.16 27.02 26.55 47% Spray-dried 0 1.00 0 0.50 0 0.25 plasma¹ Animal/Vegetable 2.73 2.18 4.03 3.76 3.99 3.85 Fat Dical - 18.5% 1.76 1.69 1.63 1.59 1.56 1.54 Limestone 1.30 1.34 1.26 1.29 1.21 1.22 Vitamin/Mineral 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 Premix Coban 60² 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 Salt 0.468 0.389 0.471 0.431 0.473 0.453 DL methionine 0.237 0.223 0.190 0.183 0.129 0.126 L Lysine HCl 0.010 0 0.018 0.010 0.014 0.010 Total 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000 Calculated Nutrient Analysis Crude Protein, % 21.50 21.50 20.00 20.00 18.00 18.00 Fat, % 5.30 4.80 6.65 6.40 6.76 6.64 ME. Kcal/kg 3050 3050 3150 3150 3200 3200 Ash, % 5.74 5.72 5.43 5.42 5.10 5.10 Ca, % 1.00 1.00 0.95 0.95 0.90 0.90 P, % 0.70 0.70 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.63 Inorg P, % 0.45 0.45 0.42 0.42 0.40 0.40 Na, % 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Cl, % 0.32 0.29 0.33 0.31 0.33 0.32 K, % 0.84 0.81 0.78 0.77 0.70 0.69 Lysine, % 1.25 1.25 1.15 1.15 1.00 1.00 Methionine, % 0.58 0.57 0.52 0.51 0.43 0.43 Methionine + Cystine, % 0.95 0.95 0.86 0.86 0.75 0.75 Tryptophan, % 0.30 0.30 0.28 0.28 0.25 0.25 Threonine, % 0.83 0.85 0.77 0.78 0.69 0.70 Isoleucine, % 1.10 1.08 1.02 1.01 0.90 0.90 ¹Spray-dried plasma of bovine origin (AP 920; APC, Inc., Ankeny, IA). ²Provided per 907 kg of diet: monensin, 90 g

TABLE 8 Feed manufacturing conditions of diets¹ Starter (d 0 to 14) Grower (d 15 to 28) Finisher (d 29 to 42) Formula ID 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 Pellet conditioning 85 85 85 90.5 93.3 85.5 85.3 85 90.3 93.9 85.5 85.3 85 90 93.3 temp., ° C. Hot pellet temp., ° C. 86.1 86.1 86.4 91.1 94.4 86.7 86.9 86.1 91.1 93.9 86.1 86.1 86.9 90.5 93.9 ¹Pellet conditioning retention time was 15 seconds with a production rate of 3500 pounds/hour.

TABLE 9 Least squares means of broiler performance consuming plasma in dry feed^(1,2) Plasma Location Control Outside Inside Inside Inside Pellet conditioning temperature, ° C. Contrasts (P<)⁴ Item 85 85 85 90 95 SEM³ 1 2 3 4 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 Days 0 to 14 ADG, g/d 26.92 28.39 28.26 28.94 28.45 0.58 0.0201 NS NS NS ADFI, g/d 36.50 37.00 37.16 37.80 37.45 0.64 NS NS NS NS Gain:feed 0.737 0.772 0.761 0.766 0.763 0.009 0.0090 NS NS NS Days 15 to 28 ADG, g/d 72.05 78.54 78.71 79.57 80.55 1.57 0.0003 NS NS NS ADFI, g/d 109.63 116.67 116.24 117.64 117.27 2.49 0.0135 NS NS NS Gain:feed 0.659 0.675 0.677 0.677 0.687 0.005 0.0018 NS NS NS Days 29 to 42 ADG, g/d 87.45 83.97 90.31 90.23 89.30 1.93 NS 0.0121 NS NS ADFI, g/d 172.86 171.56 178.17 178.95 180.49 2.93 NS 0.0318 NS NS Gain:feed 0.506 0.489 0.507 0.504 0.493 0.007 NS NS NS NS Days 0 to 42 ADG, g/d 61.49 62.80 65.09 66.12 65.40 0.97 0.0044 0.0213 NS NS ADFI, g/d 106.33 108.41 110.52 111.46 111.74 1.60 0.0257 NS NS NS Gain:feed 0.588 0.592 0.599 0.595 0.594 0.004 0.0990 NS NS NS ¹Values represent the mean of eight replicates per treatment with six broilers per pen. ²NS = nonsignificant (P > 0.10). ³Standard error of the mean. ⁴Contrasts were as follows: 1) control (treatment 1) vs. spray-dried plasma (treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5); 2) spray-dried plasma coated outside (treatment 2) vs. spray-dried plasma inside pellet (treatments 3, 4, and 5); 3) conditioning temperature (treatments 3, 4, and 5) linear; and 4) conditioning temperature (treatments 3, 4, and 5) quadratic.

TABLE 10 Least squares means of body weight and survival^(1,2) Plasma Location Coated Control Outside Inside Inside Inside Pellet conditioning temperature, ° C. Contrasts (P<)⁴ Item 85 85 85 90 95 SEM³ 1 2 3 4 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 Day 0 39.0 39.0 39.0 39.0 39.0 0.06 NS NS NS NS 7 154.9 160.0 157.4 158.6 160.5 2.92 NS NS NS NS 14 416.3 439.6 434.6 444.2 435.9 7.89 0.0174 NS NS NS 21 854.8 914.8 911.5 917.2 917.8 16.96 0.0035 NS NS NS 28 1418.1 1541.3 1539.6 1558.2 1563.6 26.95 0.0001 NS NS NS 35 2097.7 2210.3 2227.2 2240.7 2287.4 33.25 0.0006 NS NS NS 42 2679.7 2708.6 2822.4 2839.6 2853.6 41.05 0.0102 0.0105 NS NS Survival, % 87.50 77.08 81.25 89.58 75.00 5.56 NS NS NS NS ¹Values represent the mean of eight replicates per treatment with six broilers per pen. ²NS = nonsignificant (P > 0.10). ³Standard error of the mean. ⁴Contrasts were as follows: 1) control (treatment 1) vs. spray-dried plasma (treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5); 2) spray-dried plasma coated outside (treatment 2) vs. spray-dried plasma inside pellet (treatments 3, 4, and 5); 3) conditioning temperature (treatments 3, 4, and 5) linear; and 4) conditioning temperature (treatments 3, 4, and 5) quadratic.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein may be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are herein incorporated by reference.

Documents Cited

-   Fairfield, “Pelleting for Profit—Part 1”, Feed and Feeding Digest,     54(6) (2003a). -   Fairfield, “Pelleting for Profit—Part 2”, Feed and Feeding Digest,     54(7) (2003b). -   Feed Manufacturing Technology IV, American Feed Industry     Association, Inc., Arlington, Va. (1994). -   Nutrition Requirements of Poultry, 9th edition, National Academy     Press, Washington, D.C. (1994). -   Nutrition Requirements of Swine, 10th edition, National Academy     Press, Washington, D.C. (1998). -   SAS/STAT User's Guide, 4th edition. SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, N.C.     (1990). -   The Pelleting Handbook—A Guide for Production Staff in the Compound     Feed Industry, Reedprint Limited, Windsor, Berkshire (1994). -   Steidinger et al., J. Anim. Sci., 78, 3014-3018 (2000). 

1. A method for preparing a pelleted poultry feed, comprising: a) heating a mixture comprising animal plasma and poultry feed to a temperature of at least about 77° C.; and b) pelleting the mixture to provide the pelleted poultry feed, wherein the pelleted poultry feed is pelleted chicken feed or pelleted turkey feed.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises a growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth to a greater extent than does a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the animal plasma is spray-dried, freeze-dried, and/or paddle-dried animal plasma.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the animal plasma is from a bovine, porcine, or avian source.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the animal plasma in the mixture is in the form of unseparated whole blood.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the poultry feed is turkey feed.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the poultry feed is chicken feed.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the chicken feed is feed for layers.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the chicken feed is feed for broilers.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixture comprising the plasma and the poultry feed is heated to a temperature of at least about 85° C.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the mixture comprising the plasma and the poultry feed is heated to a temperature of at least about 90° C.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture comprising the plasma and the poultry feed is heated to a temperature of at least about 95° C.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixture comprising the plasma and the poultry feed is heated to a temperature within the range of about 77° C. to about 120° C.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises about 1% plasma.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises about 0.5% plasma.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises about 0.25% plasma.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises about 0.1% to about 5% plasma.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pelleted poultry feed comprises about 0.25% to about 1% plasma.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing the mixture with an expander prior to pelleting.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising crumbling the pelleted poultry feed.
 21. The method of claim 2, wherein the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the average daily gain (ADG) of the poultry to a greater extent than does a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma.
 22. The method of claim 2, wherein the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the poultry to a greater extent than does a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma.
 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the body weight (BW) of the poultry to a greater extent than does a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma.
 24. The method of claim 2, wherein the growth-promoting amount of animal plasma in a form that promotes poultry growth is an amount that increases the feed efficiency (gain:feed) of the poultry to a greater extent than does a pelleted poultry feed that does not contain plasma.
 25. A pelleted poultry feed prepared according to the method of claim
 1. 26. A method for enhancing the growth of poultry, comprising feeding to poultry an effective amount of the pelleted poultry feed of claim
 25. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the poultry are turkeys.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the poultry are chickens.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the chickens are layers.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the chickens are broilers. 